Joshua Logan was promoted from dialogue director to co-director for this clunky soap opera, probably on the basis of his connection with co-star Henry Fonda -- Logan had directed him when they were students at Princeton.
The story, about how Fonda and Joan Bennett had been lovers in college, then had separated for a decade, she to Europe and motherhood, he to academia, has some fine points, including the performances -- the actors are straightforward and believable. However, the details of the production overwhelm this winning simplicity, including distractions from the set design and an over-the-top score by Heinz Roemheld.
There's a fine supporting cast who are permitted to emote strongly; May Witty as Bennett's aunt, Alan Marshall as her wastrel husband, Louise Platt as the student who loves Fonda and Tim Holt as Louise's would-be boyfriend. However, they all seem a distraction from the central story and characters and render this watchable for the stars but little else.
The story, about how Fonda and Joan Bennett had been lovers in college, then had separated for a decade, she to Europe and motherhood, he to academia, has some fine points, including the performances -- the actors are straightforward and believable. However, the details of the production overwhelm this winning simplicity, including distractions from the set design and an over-the-top score by Heinz Roemheld.
There's a fine supporting cast who are permitted to emote strongly; May Witty as Bennett's aunt, Alan Marshall as her wastrel husband, Louise Platt as the student who loves Fonda and Tim Holt as Louise's would-be boyfriend. However, they all seem a distraction from the central story and characters and render this watchable for the stars but little else.